Novlette Rennie was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
The UK’s first black female Chief Executive in the sports sector, this award recognises Novlette???s contribution both to the world of sport and to race equality in general. Involved with sport for over 30 years, both professionally and personally, in a variety of roles ranging from player to official to manager, Novlette has been with Sporting Equals since its foundation in October 1998. She began as a National Sports Development Officer and was promoted to Project Manager in April 2000. In April 2002, her title changed to Director to reflect the strategic level of her work. She became Chief Executive in September, 2006.
Novlette Rennie said of her award:
“I am so pleased and proud to be the recipient of such a great honour. As a black woman, I feel that the OBE recognises not only my contribution but also the validity and importance of addressing issues of racial inequality in sport. I hope that my success will serve as an inspiration to other black people who wish to pursue a career in the sports sector”.
Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport, said:
“I should like to offer Novlette Rennie my congratulations on receiving an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. This is an acknowledgement of the longstanding and significant contribution she has made to promoting racial equality in sport. I am delighted that her work has been recognised in this way.”
Stephen Baddeley, Interim Chief Executive of Sport England, said:
“On behalf of Sport England, I would like to congratulate Novlette on the enormous contribution she has made to addressing issues of racial equality in sport throughout her career – the award of an OBE is deserved recognition for her commitment and hard work. Her work with Sporting Equals in recent years has shown the value of getting more people from ethnic minorities involved in sport at all levels, not only as players but as coaches, volunteers and administrators. I am confident that what Novlette has achieved will help inspire more people from ethnic minorities to get involved in sport.”